Book Review: Second Time Around by Niki Lauda
Positives
Negatives
Niki Lauda’s Second Time Around was the sequel to his Art and Science of Grand Prix Driving. Written 8 years later, he uses the same format and style to analyse the mid 1980’s shift in regulations to turbo powered engines. Just like his first book, Niki’s Second Time Around opens with an interview transcript between […]
Niki Lauda’s Second Time Around was the sequel to his Art and Science of Grand Prix Driving. Written 8 years later, he uses the same format and style to analyse the mid 1980’s shift in regulations to turbo powered engines.
Just like his first book, Niki’s Second Time Around opens with an interview transcript between Herbert Vöiker and Niki discussing topics like his retirement, his comeback with McLaren and the 1982 season.
The next chapters cover:
- explanation of the ground effects cars of the late 70s-early 80s
- 1983 technical regulations
- aerodynamics and various rear wing designs of each team
- turbo engines with explanations of supercharger & intercoolers, comprex
- a rundown of various engines and their specifications – the Ford DFV, Alfa Romeo V12, Matra V12, Renault turbo, Ferrari turbo, BMW turbo, Hart turbo, Alfa Romeo turbo, Heidegger turbo, Porsche V6 turbo, Honda V6 turbo
- Monocoque construction, safety features,
- Suspension
- Tyres
- Components and the introduction of carbon fibre and titanium
- The Race
- Race Circuits
- Fitness (by trainer Willy Dungl)
- F1 winners and statistics
There is less of Niki in this book than the first. The emphasis in this book is definitely more technically focused, especially on the engines and aero developments in the sport at the time.
Wow Factor or Money Shot: Driver monocoque photos – Niki in the McLaren MP4/2 showing drive units and Nigel Mansell in the carbon fibre JPS Lotus.
Suitable for: 80’s turbo engine fans
